Multi-sectoral groups calls for economic relief

Miami
April 29, 2008
Story 1: Multi-sectoral groups calls for economic relief

Fair Trade Alliance (FTA) composed of members from different sectoral groups like business industry, academe, civil societies, labor groups, fishermen, farmers, and industry sectors joined together to call for an economic relief.

The group said that the government is not being able to save the country, crisis continue affect the Philippines. In observance for the Labor day on May 1, the group has presented some points that they will present to Malacanang on Labor day on the streets.

Their points are to provide immediate economic relief to the poorest of the poor both in urban and rural areas by way of food subsidy and the creation of emergency employment programs. “What the government should address is employment for the Filipino people, income and food, but what is happening, all basic commodities are becoming expensive, and some of our countrymen lost their jobs,” Wigfredo Tanada said, the Lead Convenor of the Fair Trade Alliance.

The group also want the Arroyo administration to direct the National Food Authority to buy palay from the farmers at such level of volume and prices that would enable the farmers to recoup their production cost and earn a little income until the next harvest season.

Dave Diwa, labor convenor of the group said, “Buying palay from our local farmers will be a big help for our people and to our government as well because they will not going to import more.”

They are also suggesting for the suspension of RVAT for food and medicines for the duration of the food crisis. “We are not asking them to cancel it, but to suspend only, so that people especially earning with minimum wage can still afford to buy foods and not to fel the crisis,” Diwa said.

They also want the administration to issue an Executive Order allowing communities to plant food crops in idle lands, both in private and public, so not to feel the food crisis. They believe agro-industrial is the key to for the country’s attainment of food security and agricultural sovereignty.

The FTA is expecting that the government will listen to their suggestions. Their suggestions will be reiterated on May 1 or Labor day rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.